ANC leaders condemn brutal attack on commuters in Khayelitsha

ANC leaders condemn brutal attack on commuters in Khayelitsha

3 July 2000

Minister of Defence Mousuia Lekota, ANC Provincial Secretary Mcebisi Skwatsha and ANC Spokesperson on Transport Leonard Ramatlakane visited Mew Way bridge outside of Khayelitsha this morning shortly after the fatal attack on passengers on a Golden Arrow bus which left one commuter fataly shot and with others seriously injured.

Mr Skwatsha said:

"We herewith express our condolences to the families of the bereaved and wish the injured speedily recovery. We also condemn in the strongest possible terms the attack on the commuters this morning.

"It is clear that we are dealing with a campaign of terror by those who have no respect for life. These thugs feel nothing for commuters. They are actively seeking to intimidate them (commuters) into not using busses as a means of accessible public transport.

"The ANC will never give in to these thugs. Commuters have the right to choose. No amount of intimidation will drive us into submission.

"We welcome the deployment of extra SAPS and SANDF personnel in to the province over the last weeks. What is needed now is the visible deployment of these personnel in the affected areas.

"We need visible, serious action from the authorities now.

"We are deeply stressed that the provincial government has failed to put a detailed plan on the table to deal with the issues which have led to this crisis for a period of 18 months now. They have failed to perform their responsibility of proper governance and instead spent time dealing with a dying party.

"Clearly the ANC supports a joint approach with provincial and national government to deal with the security situation.

"The transport issues, however, fall directly under the powers of the provincial cabinet.

"What is the cabinet task team doing? What is their plan to resolve issues of permits and legalization?

"The Provincial Government does not have the political will to deal with the crisis. Due to the failure of the provincial government, the ANC call on National Government to step in and take over powers from Piet Meyer and normalise the public transport.

"We call on all peace-loving people and public transport operators to cooperate with the security personnel in apprehending the law-breakers.

"In the face of this senseless attacks on people, we call on the people to remain calm."